The First Sunday of Advent November 29, 2020 11 a.m. We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship.
Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We are so pleased you have chosen to worship with us. Bishop Doyle has issued guidelines to keep us all safe in this season of COVID-19, so in-person worship will look and feel different from the worship to which we are accustomed. If you must leave the service for any reason, please exit through the east transept door and return through the bell porch door. You will be seated at least 6 feet from any individuals not in your household to ensure physical distancing guidelines. Due to evidence of community viral spread through singing, a soloist or small choral ensemble will provide sacred music. We ask that you experience the music without singing along. At the Holy Eucharist, only bread will be shared. This is called “Communion in one kind,� and it is a full measure of grace. Know that as you worship in the Cathedral, you are joined in real-time by hundreds of fellow worshipers through livestreaming technology. If you have concerns about your health or safety, or that of the people in your household, worshiping with the Cathedral online will continue to be an option. We love you and want you to do what is best for you and those you love! Let us prepare our hearts to worship the Lord!
The Holy Eucharist: Rite One The Rev. Kathy Rock Pfister, Canon Vicar Celebrant
Opening Voluntary Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645
J.S. Bach (1685–1750)
Choral Introit V. R.
Tone VII Unto thee, O Lord, lift I up my soul; O my God, in thee have I trusted, let me not be confounded: Neither let mine enemies triumph over me; for all they that look for thee shall not be ashamed.
Hymn 616
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Es flog ein kleins WaldvĂśgelein
The Word of God Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Trisagion S 102
Alexander Archangelsky (1846–1924)
The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again 3
in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Reading
Isaiah 64:1–9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence — as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil — to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. Reader People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 66
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Stuttgart
The Holy Gospel
Mark 13:24–37 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. People Glory be to thee, O Lord.
Jesus said, “In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon
The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Dean
The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, 5
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People Deacon or other leader
Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. 6
Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. The Celebrant says
Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The People remain standing.
The Confession of Sin Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in thy will, and walk in thy ways, to the glory of thy Name. Amen.
The Absolution The Priest stands and says
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 7
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him. Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28 God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that John 3:16 believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People
And with thy spirit.
The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion At the Offertory Anthem
Virgil T. Ford (1922–2005) Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Sing and rejoice, I come, says the Lord. I come and will dwell in the midst of you. Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Quartet: Blair Doerge-Albert, Emily Premont, Justin Shen, Fredy Bonilla
The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them up unto the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People It is meet and right so to do. People
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. Creator of the light and source of life, who hast made us in thine image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying, 8
Sanctus and Benedictus S 114
Healey Willan (1880–1968)
The People kneel or stand.
All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again. For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory. And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ. And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily 9
receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say, Celebrant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The Celebrant says
The Gifts of God for the People of God. The Episcopal Church invites all baptized persons to receive Communion. Please remain in your pew, and priests will bring Communion to you. If you do not wish to receive Communion, cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing. Gluten-free communion wafers are available for persons with dietary restrictions. Notify the priest during the administration and one will be offered.
Prayer after Communion Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also 10
heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
The Blessing The Dismissal Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Closing Voluntary
Herr Christ, der einge Gottes-Sohn, BWV 601
J.S. Bach
Music Notes During Advent, the Gloria we sing during much of the year at the beginning of the service is replaced by the Trisagion, an ancient Greek hymn translated “Thrice Holy.” It is thought to be modeled on the passage found in Isaiah 6:3, “Holy, holy, holy Lord,” on which our Sanctus is based. Though the Trisagion has long been part of Orthodox Divine Liturgy, it was first introduced into Episcopal worship with the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The musical setting is by Alexander Arkhangelsky, an influential Russian composer and conductor. He is credited with being the first to employ women rather than boys to sing the soprano line in Russian sacred music. — RLS
The Book of Remembrance This week we remember Kristi Shipnes Martin. The Beauty of Flowers The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for family, friends, faith, and fellowship by Roy Nolen on his birthday. The greens in the Cathedral Advent Wreath are given to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of Dr. James Reed Cox. The candles on the Cathedral Advent Wreath are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for the life and work of Ardell Ray Jr.
Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.
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Welcome
Sunday, November 29, 2020 Announcements TODAY Celebrate Advent with a DIY Wreath-Making event at 2 p.m. • Today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., head to our parking garage to pick up supplies to make your own Advent wreath ($25 suggested donation, supplies limited). Then at 2 p.m., hop on Zoom for a wreath-making lesson and tips on how to make the most of this new season. Learn more and register for the Zoom meeting on our “Adult Classes” page. The Cathedral Bookstore pop-up shop begins today • During each Sunday in Advent, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Bookstore will open a table in the cloister. Stop by to pick up Dieter Ufer’s hand-made wooden Christmas trees, the new Resurrection stained glass window piece, a grab bag of curated books, and more. All sales benefit the Cathedral; learn more and shop online at thecathedralbookstore.com. Dean’s Hour Matinee: Incarnational Faith in Advent and Beyond next Sunday • Join Charlotte Hand Greeson from Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary and Canon Becky Zartman for a conversation about living our faith incarnationally in Advent and all year long. This event will be a Zoom webinar streamed live Facebook; register for the webinar on our “Adult Classes” page. Several monthly events meet this week • Wednesday, the Dean’s Book Club will discuss Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America, edited by Catherine Meeks. Thursday, Amazing Women of Faith will meet for a lively hagiography of a female saint. Friday, Cathedral 20s & 30s will meet for a casual First Friday Fellowship. Learn about and register for these events on our “Cathedral Events” page. The Alternative Giving Market (AGM) is virtual this year • For years the AGM has provided an opportunity to remember loved ones by making gifts in their honor to non-profit, charitable agencies. This year, the market is all online, making it easier than ever to give. Learn more about the AGM and give online at christchurchcathedral.org/agm. Save the date for Advent Lessons and Carols on December 6 at 5 p.m. • Each year, we walk through the history of salvation from the creation to the coming of Christ, told both through scripture and vibrant musical anthems. This service will be held in person and livestreamed to Facebook and our website. Registration is required. Registration will open with our weekly Tuesday enews and links will be posted on our “Sunday Services” page. You can still submit a pledge for the Every Member Canvass • To submit your pledge, simply return the pledge card you receive by mail or drop it in the offering plate, or visit christchurchcathedral. org/emc to pledge online. If you have questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik at kkraycirik@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3338. For more information about these and other events at the Cathedral, visit christchurchcathedral.org, or cccathedraltx
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332